Today’s announcement that Princess Diana and her boyfriend Dodi Fayed were “unlawfully killed” because of the actions of her driver and the paparazzi photographers who were chasing them through the streets of Paris makes her the $6 Million Dollar Woman. This is the amount of money the inquest cost, only to tell us what we already knew. If not for the actions of others, Princess Diana would not have died in such a manner.
The world was waiting to hear if any proof had been uncovered about rumors of palace intrigue, murder allegations, engagement, and pregnancy, during the inquest. In the end, all that was said was that there was no proof; and, that what was known was that the driver was drinking and that Dodi and Princess Diana were unlawfully killed; which is on the level of manslaughter in charges…the highest verdict allowed.
Will this verdict change people’s feeling that there is more to the story? Probably not. But still, in reality, no amount of hearings and inquests can change the fact that three people died because of a lack of control. The driver because he did not have proper control of the vehicle due to the drinks that he had on that evening in question; and, the lack of control regarding the press/paparazzi’s disregard for the value of human life and proper boundaries.
In 2002, five short years after the death of these three people; nine photographers, who had been charged in France, were let off from charges of manslaughter because the charges were thrown out.
In 2006, three photographers were charged and convicted for invasion of privacy for taking pictures of Diana and Dodi. This is small consolation as it does not bring them back to life, nor does it seem to hinder those paparazzi around the world who seem to think it appropriate to chase people with beauty/fame/fortune just to snap a picture to make money for themselves…no matter what the cost to others!
The unlawful killing of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed as well as driver Henri Paul robbed the world. There isn’t much known publically about Henri Paul. But, Princess Diana did much with her charitable works. Dodi Fayed whether he was indeed her fiancee or not…had great wealth at his disposal. Who knows what they would have done with their lives had they been given the opportunity to live on.
So, let’s all remember that when standing in the grocery line and temptation beckons to purchase and support the latest rag plastered with pictures of the rich and famous at their best and at their worst. Don’t contribute to the mindset of devaluing human life by purchasing those papers. It only allows those who make their living off of the habit of chasing and snapping pictures of people who dont want them to.
Write where you are 